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Sunday, August 28, 2011

Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles (in which I swoon and love)

Chain Reaction
By Simone Elkeles

3.5/5 stars

Luis Fuentes has always been sheltered from the gang violence that nearly destroyed his brothers’ lives. But that didn’t stop him from taking risks—whether he’s scaling a mountain in the Rockies or dreaming of a future as an astronaut, Luis can’t stop looking for the next thrill.

Nikki Cruz lives her life by three rules—boys lie to get their way, don’t trust a boy who says “I love you,” and never date a boy from the south side of Fairfield. Her parents may be from Mexico, but as a doctor’s daughter, she has more in common with her north-side neighbors than the Latino Blood at her school. Then she meets Luis at Alex’s wedding, and suddenly, she’s tempted to break all her rules.

Getting Nikki to take a chance on a southsider is Luis’s biggest challenge, until
he finds himself targeted by Chuy Soto, the new head of the Latino Blood. When Chuy reveals a disturbing secret about Luis’s family, the youngest Fuentes finds himself questioning everything he’s ever believed to be true. Will his feelings for Nikki be enough to stop Luis from entering a dark and violent world and permanently living on the edge?

My Thoughts:

Chain Reaction is like one of those good, slightly dramatic drama-y books- what with the dead bodies, steamy romantic moments, the Latino Blood gangs and its share of light hearted, warm bits.
This was just as good as the other two books in the series- Rules of Attraction and Perfect Chemistry.

As far as the romance goes... Well, sizzlingfreakinsexylicious, might as well be an understatement.
It was hot you guys. With all the right bits of chemistry to make it work, and not seem like a cheesy mills and boon story. Loved it.

Luis was as usual, another one of Simon Elkeles's totally crush worthy characters, with his sexy looks and wonderful kind hearted-but-bad super intelligent boy personality.
Nikki was a strong, wounded girl who emerged fixed and changed for the better. I liked her, though sometimes, I found myself being a bit annoyed at her somewhat always whining self.
But then I took a moment to put myself in her shoes, and yes, Simone Elkeles drew up her characters quite believably. I would have probably been more messed up than Nikki.
I think my favorite though, (out of the three love interest girls) has to be Keirra, from Rules Of Attraction.

Chain Reaction is action packed with talk about gangs and people getting killed and a few twists to keep things plenty interesting!
However, as far as the action goes, it was slightly less intense than the others two books, but nonetheless, very enjoyable.
One of the really great things about this last novel in the series is that it also features the other Fuentes brothers- who actually have a small role in how the events play out.
We also see how far they've come along with Brittany and Keirra and its so heartening, because (if you've read the other two books) you have this sort of connection with them and you know where they're coming from and its like reading about some old friends you once had, who you were really close too.
The Story of the Futenes brothers is neatly wrapped up in this book, and the epilogue was, as usual perfect!
Hopefully we'll get to read about they're children one day, I would lovelovelove that.

Over all, Chain Reaction is another great Elkeles novel.
Its an awesome feel good book- making you feel all smushy inside after you finish the last page and you don't even need to read the other books to understand whats going on- its perfect as a stand alone novel too!

1 comment:

wow thats a great review hands down! no wonder 'they' quoted you on twitter!:) this has got me really really interested into getting my hands on this series now< where can i find it? liberty books is a tad expensive for me, i wouldn't spend a couple of 100s more on the same book if i can find it in a fairly readable condition at sunday bazaar or an old book shop! so where do u recommend i look for it?